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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 30


Page 30 of 39

Research brief: Global trends in nature's contributions to people

A new study examines global trends in nature's contributions to people, revealing declines in natural regulations of water pollutants and negative impacts on crop yields. The research highlights the critical need for better management of earth systems to ensure sustainable benefits for future generations.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2020

How iceberg lettuce gets its leafy head

A study on lettuce reveals that the genetic basis of leaf heading is controlled by a single gene, LsKN1, which promotes compact head development and prolongs shelf life. The researchers found that a transposon insertion in this gene elevates its expression, leading to heading in crisphead lettuce.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2020

How clean electricity can upgrade the value of captured carbon

Researchers at University of Toronto have developed an electrochemical method to convert captured carbon into commercially valuable products, such as fuels and plastics. The new process significantly lowers the overall energy cost of combined capture and upgrade, making it more economically attractive.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 7, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Cervical cancer survival may improve by targeting senescent "zombie" cells

Researchers found that women with low levels of senescence-associated secreted phenotypes (SASPs) had higher survival rates than those with high levels. Brachytherapy greatly improved survival in patients with high SASP levels, but had little impact on those with low levels.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCancers·DateDec 7, 2020

Determining tectonic plate movement without fossil help

Researchers A.M. Celal Sengor and colleagues used geochemistry and structural geology to identify essential mountain-building processes in the Precambrian rock record. The Saharides' formation added 3-5 million km2 of material to the continents, providing a new method for reconstructing complex mountain formations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Remote Hawaiian island harbors last land snails of their kind

A team of researchers has rediscovered the Endodonta christenseni land snail, previously presumed extinct, on the remote Hawaiian island of Nihoa. The discovery highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect this species and its habitat from human disturbances and climate change.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·DateDec 7, 2020

New method uses artificial intelligence to study live cells

Researchers developed a new method combining label-free imaging with artificial intelligence to study live cells over time. The technique allows for the estimation of cell attributes without using toxic fluorescent dyes.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2020

Seventeen genetic abnormalities that cause brain aneurysms

Scientists have discovered 17 genetic abnormalities that cause brain aneurysms, providing a new understanding of the disease and potential markers for instability. The study also highlights the importance of genetic predisposition to high blood pressure and smoking in developing intracranial aneurysms.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 7, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Split wave

A new approach to neuromorphic computing has been demonstrated using micrometer-sized wafers, enabling fast and energy-efficient pattern recognition. The HZDR team's component exploits spin waves to process information without moving electrons, promising applications in AI-powered smartphones and traffic optimization.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 7, 2020

Trends in nature's contribution to human societies

Researchers report a 50-year review of nature's contributions to human societies, revealing an imbalance between agricultural growth and declining regulatory ecosystem services. The study highlights the need for adaptations and substitutes, but notes they come at a cost.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2020

What makes COVID misinformation so tough to stop on social media

A recent study found that people believe they are above average at spotting misinformation, while also experiencing negative emotions when exposed to false information about COVID-19 on social media. This phenomenon, known as the third-person effect, makes it challenging to encourage individuals to participate in media literacy education.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalOnline Information Review·DateDec 7, 2020

New sunspot cycle could be one of the strongest on record, new research predicts

Scientists predict that Sunspot Cycle 25 will be one of the strongest on record due to its predicted peak sunspot number. The new cycle is forecasted to start with a bang, and if correct, it would support the research team's theory about the Sun's internal magnetic machine.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalSolar Physics·DateDec 7, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Fracking sites may increase heart failure hospitalizations across large regions

A study by the American College of Cardiology found that fracking sites may increase heart failure hospitalizations across large regions. Environmental impacts of fracking, including air pollution and heavy truck traffic, can lead to adverse respiratory effects and worsening cardiac health.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 7, 2020

New spin-out company signals quantum leap for brain imaging

A new spin-out company, Cerca, has launched a groundbreaking wearable brain scanner that allows people to move freely while being scanned. The Cerca Scanner uses magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology, adapted from quantum sensors, to capture high-resolution images of brain activity with millimetre accuracy. This innovation promises t...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateDec 7, 2020

Scientists get the lowdown on sun's super-hot atmosphere

Researchers find preferential heating of heavier ions like silicon in the transition region, which is thought to be a key mechanism for coronal heating. The study provides insights into how magnetic reconnection and ion cyclotron heating contribute to the sun's super-hot atmosphere.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 7, 2020

Research provides tools for achieving the 'how' of well-being in daily life

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison introduce a new framework for emotional well-being, focusing on specific skills that can be learned. The framework emphasizes four pillars: awareness, connection, insight, and purpose, which have been studied in the lab and shown to improve well-being.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Urban heat and mortality: who are the most vulnerable?

A recent study analyzing daily temperatures and mortality in Turin, Italy, found that women with low educational levels are most at risk of heat-related mortality. The research also reveals that individuals living alone, regardless of gender, are more susceptible to heat stress than those who share a home.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateDec 7, 2020

A crystal ball for cold viruses

The VARIPath project aims to develop a 'crystal ball' for predicting disease progression in viral respiratory tract infections. Researchers will analyze virus evolution and host immune response characteristics using high-throughput sequencing techniques. This could lead to personalized treatment strategies and improved prognosis.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·DateDec 7, 2020

Genetics of human face begin to reveal underlying profile

An international team of researchers has connected specific genetic signals with specific areas of the face, identifying 203 genomic regions that play a role in human facial development. The study sheds light on craniofacial malformations such as cleft lip and palate, as well as evolutionary differences between various populations.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 7, 2020

Harnessing quantum properties to create single-molecule devices

Researchers have discovered a new chemical design principle for exploiting destructive quantum interference to create a six-nanometer long single-molecule switch with an enormous on/off ratio. The approach enables the production of stable and reproducible single-molecule switches at room temperature.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 7, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

A library of mice to look up the best liver cancer treatment

Osaka University researchers developed a technique to study liver cancer genes in lab mice, identifying a serum biomarker for effective treatment. The study found that FGF19-driven HCC is susceptible to lenvatinib treatment and a specific protein, ST6GAL1, can be used as a biomarker.

SourceOsaka University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 7, 2020

Mitigating cheetah conflict with humans

Researchers analyzed GPS data from 106 wild cheetahs in Namibia, finding that communication hubs were key areas for conflict. Shifting breeding herds away from these hubs reduced calf losses to cheetah predation by approximately 86%.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New study shows every week of lockdown increases binge drinking

A new study reveals that every week of lockdown leads to increased binge drinking, with participants consuming six drinks per session compared to two among less regular binge drinkers. The research highlights the relationship between COVID-19-related stress factors and changes in alcohol consumption.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateDec 7, 2020

How the brain distinguishes fact from possibility

Research reveals that processing factual information elicits stronger brain activity compared to uncertain information in narratives. The brain adds new information to a model of the developing situation, with stronger activity in frontal medial areas for updating one's own beliefs.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateDec 7, 2020

Undocumented immigrants far less likely to commit crimes in U.S. than citizens

A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison analyzed Texas arrest data and found that undocumented immigrants were significantly less likely to be arrested for various felony offenses compared to U.S. citizens. The researchers believe that first-generation immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, tend to have lower crime...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Higher doses of vitamin D did not reduce falls in at risk older adults

A randomized trial found that higher doses of vitamin D3 supplementation did not reduce the risk of falls in older adults with elevated fall risk and low vitamin D levels. In contrast, some analyses suggested that higher doses may increase the risk of serious falls and hospitalization.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 7, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Measurements of tree height can help cycad conservation decisions

Researchers found that cycad trees exhibit sex differences in growth rate and that garden-grown plants grow faster than those in natural habitats. The study's findings inform conservation decisions for threatened species like Cycas micronesica, which faces significant losses due to invasive insect herbivores.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalPlant Signaling & Behavior·DateDec 7, 2020

Brain clears the way for binocular vision even before eyes are open

Researchers found that selective pruning of key brain connections in the developing mouse visual cortex clears a path for certain pyramidal neurons to be more active. This process allows for faster communication between the two visual hemispheres, enabling binocular vision and depth perception.

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuron·DateDec 7, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Climate change imperils biodiversity targets

Several post-2020 biodiversity targets are at risk due to climate change, even if habitat exploitation is removed; flexible approaches could help mitigate effects on habitats and species. Climate change imperils international organizations' biodiversity goals, necessitating dynamic responses.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2020

When playing favorites can hurt growth

A study by MIT researchers suggests that industrial parks in China with strong political connections underperform their counterparts, leading to a 5.2% decrease in GDP per capita. The research found that about a quarter of provincial-level party secretaries have ties to city-level party secretaries, influencing economic decisions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Urban Economics·DateDec 7, 2020

Quick and sensitive identification of multidrug-resistant germs

Researchers have developed a sensitive testing system that can detect resistance in bacteria using tiny cantilevers. This method allows for the detection of not only entire resistance genes but also individual point mutations within minutes, paving the way for faster diagnosis and more effective treatment.

SourceSwiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel·JournalGlobal Challenges·DateDec 7, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Mount Sinai researchers advance a universal influenza virus vaccine

A chimeric hemagglutinin (HA)-based vaccine targets the proximal part of the HA protein, neutralizing diverse influenza virus strains. The vaccine has produced strong and durable results in early-stage clinical trials, eliminating the need for revaccination.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 7, 2020

Crime rates among undocumented immigrants in Texas

Crime rates among undocumented immigrants in Texas are significantly lower than those of legal immigrants and native-born U.S. citizens, according to a study analyzing arrest data between 2012 and 2018. The findings suggest that removal of undocumented immigrants may not lead to increased crime rates.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2020

Appearances can be deceiving: Display versus surface colors

A study by researchers at Yokohama National University found that color appearance discrepancies between display and surface colors are caused by differences in spectral distributions, not device limitations. When participants viewed colors with identical spectral distributions, they could match colors more than 90% of the time.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Problems with depth perception caused by too many cells

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that a high density of chandelier cells in the visual cortex impairs depth perception. The study, published in Neuron, suggests that pruning these cells is essential for efficient communication between the two visual hemispheres.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateDec 7, 2020

Useful 'fake' peptides

Scientists create peptide-oligourea hybrids that mimic natural peptide structures, enhancing drug efficiency and stability. The hybrids exhibit high binding affinities and resist proteolytic degradation.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 7, 2020